How to Clean My down Pillows???

Go to signonsandiego.com The Union Tribune just did a huge article about pillows a few weeks ago, very interseting.

They should be able to be washed the same way as a down comforter. I would only wash one at a time in cold water on the gentle cycle to avoid tearing the seams. Dry on the no heat/fluff cycle with 3-4 tennis balls...it will take a while for them to dry. You can throw in a couple 10 minute low heat sessions to speed it up but don't do low heat completely. Also, keep them going until they are dry because they will start to smell if you leave them sitting for any period of time. The easiest thing would be to take them to the cleaners but if you can't afford it you can do it at home. Best wishes.

Under our (regular sheet) pillow cases we have the zipper cases which go directly over our down pillows. It provides an allergan guard as well as another barrier so we don't soil the actual pillow. I don't know if you are using that as well. I do not know how to clean actual pillow, sorry.

Hi D.,

You can machine wash down pillows/comforters. I use delicate wash laundry soap with warm water. When drying medium heat with a tennis ball to fluff.

I'd like to know how to clean them, too. I do know that it helps a lot to keep them clean if you put them in zippered pillow covers, and put the pillow cases on over that. The covers can be easily washed, and it keeps the pillows themselves pretty clean for a long time. You can buy the covers at Bed Bath and Beyond, or someplace like that.

Exactly as Chrissy said. They last for years if you wash them yourself. Also, add a lavendar sachet to the drier if you like.

And Julia is ALSO correct. We use the allergen barrier...a zippered case...to keep the pillow clean and fresh longer.

I would just add that I'd never take them to the cleaners...imagine all the chemicals undoing the "natural" benefit of your pillows! EEK!

I have just thrown mine in the washer on gentel cycle with that nice smelling downey...then into the dryer on low heat until dried. You may loose a few feather along the way, but I have never had one explode. I do the same with my down comforter.
Good luck! Marz

I used to take them and my comforter to the dry cleaners, but now that I discovered they contribute to my allergies and I no longer use them, my daughter discovered them and uses them all the time. She has about four of them and I know what you mean about getting discolored, but I figured with her taking them to daycare and getting even dirtier, I would just throw them in the washing machine and dryer. To my surprise, they come out perfectly! I don't know what long term effect this will have on them, but for me, it isn't really an issue, so it has been a much cheaper solution that works for us without exposing her to all the controversial chemicals of dry cleaning. Good luck with whatever you end up doing!
U.

I totally use my washing machine and dryer on all my down bedding. So good so far.

I washed mine by hand in the tub, then sat them up as straight as possible to dry. You could squeeze out as much water as possible and then hang them to drip dry. What ever works for you.

washing machine and dryer. I use the flat shoe dryer thing in the dryer. I dont know if that makes any difference or not. BUT, one time they weren't totally dry, and they smelled sort of moldy, so I had to wash them again. and then they were fine.

I took mine to the dry cleaners...they blow air through it or something. But, I have also washed my pillow in my regular clothes washer on gentle cycle (no fabric softener w/woolite) & then put it in the dryer and that worked well.